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Marc Murphy extends Carlton Blues contract through to end of 2018 AFL season

Thu Mar 06 13:43:55 EST 2014

Carlton has re-signed captain Marc Murphy until the end of the 2018 season.

The news is a relief for the Blues, as the 26-year-old midfield star would have been the subject of enormous offers as a free agent later this year.

Murphy is a former club champion and earned All-Australian honours in 2011.

Defender Andrew Walker has also recently re-signed, although Murphy's fellow former number one draft pick Bryce Gibbs is being hunted by Adelaide and Port Adelaide, who are both keen to entice the South Australian back to his home state.

"I had no intention of going anywhere else," Murphy said.

"I just want to say how proud and humbled I am. It's extremely exciting.

"I didn't want it (speculation) to hang over my head or the club's head."

Murphy says he is confident Gibbs will also remain with the Blues.

Back spasms prevented Murphy from attending Wednesday's AFL season launch in Adelaide but he says he is fine to play in Friday's practise match against Western Bulldogs.